Scottish climbing phenomenon Dave MacLeod and climbing partner Andy Turner to present their first free ascent of the Long Hope route.

At London’s Royal Geographical Society on February 8th, Gore sponsored athlete Dave MacLeod and his climbing partner, Andy Turner, will give a lecture about their first free ascent of the Long Hope route, St John’s Head, Hoy last year. This was the first time the route had been freed in 40 years, indicating just how difficult and remote the route is.

At 1150 foot St Johns Head is the tallest sea cliff in the UK. It was first climbed in 1970 by climber and poet Ed Drummond together with Oliver Hill. They took 7 days to climb the cliff, sleeping on ledges and in hammocks along the way. 40 years later, Dave MacLeod and Andy Turner set out to climb the cliff in a single day.

The climbers will give an insight into the physical, psychological and logistic preparation required to capture this route as well as explaining a few of the challenges en route. Look forward to tales of dubious rock, furious fulmars and a mind-blowing finale!

The lecture, which is also being supported by GORE-TEX® brand partner Mountain Equipment and specialist retailer Cotswold Outdoor, will be followed by a special screening of the Long Hope film presented by Filmmaker Paul Diffley/Hot Aches Productions. The film contrasts the challenges of Drummond’s first ascent and also follows him as he makes a pilgrimage back to St John’s Head to look upon the route one last time.

The film has already won the People’s Choice Award at Kendal Mountain Film Festival last year and the RGS will be a special place to see this for the first time.

Tickets cost £12 and are currently available from Dave MacLeod’s blog. Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm start.